Julius Randle addressed reporters Thursday following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ elimination from the playoffs, offering an honest reflection on the season and his role moving forward.
Despite a 124-94 loss to the Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Randle remained upbeat about the direction of the team.
“It was great,” Randle said when asked to assess the season. “We showed great flashes… our ability to bounce back from adversity was great.”
Minnesota, which posted a 56-26 regular-season record, advanced past the second round for the second straight year before falling to Oklahoma City in five games.
Randle emphasized the need to learn from the experience, especially in dealing with in-game pressure like the Thunder’s defensive blitz in the first half of Game 5.
“It’s a good learning lesson for us in many different ways,” he said. “They’re not going to beat themselves.”
When asked what the team needs to reach the next level, Randle cautioned against overreacting to the playoff exit.
“This is the first year with a new team… I don’t think it’s some big, like, blow up this, that, and the next,” he explained. “Experience will be a big factor heading into next year.”
Randle also addressed his own future with the franchise, indicating he hasn’t made any decisions yet regarding his offseason plans.
Although he holds a player option for the 2025-26 season, Randle said he hasn’t given thought to his future yet.
“I barely gotten any sleep,” he admitted. “I love it here… having the ability to compete for a championship is everything I can ask for at this point in my career.”
Calling the 2024-25 campaign “the most meaningful basketball” of his career, Randle credited both the front office and his teammates, particularly All-Star guard Anthony Edwards.
“He’s amazing,” Randle said of Edwards. “He just wants to be the best, and he’s the ultimate competitor.”
The 30-year-old forward averaged 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the postseason after a regular season in which he posted 18.7 points per game.
As he looks ahead to the summer, Randle said he’ll focus on film study, conditioning, and discussions with head coach Chris Finch to determine how best to support the team next season.
“I always start with how can I best prepare my body for the long haul,” Randle said. “It’s huge this year being able to go into the offseason healthy.”
He also mentioned his versatility as a strength, but identified rebounding and defensive engagement as areas for improvement.
“I feel like I didn’t rebound well this year at all,” he said. “And defensively… I feel like I can take a step as well.”
Randle expressed surprise at how much he’s grown to appreciate life in Minnesota, saying he expects to remain in the area over the summer.
“It’s really my speed,” he said. “I definitely found a comfort level and got used to the cold.”
The veteran’s contract status and future role will likely be key topics for Minnesota this offseason as the franchise looks to build on its deep playoff run.
